“When I found out such a progressive university has been burning coal … I was disappointed,” said Rivka Fidel, graduate in agronomy.

During the Board of Regents’ meeting, the public was invited to share what qualities they wanted to see in the next ISU president.

Most of the speakers said they would like to see a president who believes in sustainability and getting rid of the coal plant.

Fidel said she came to Iowa State specifically because it has such a diverse array of programs committed to sustainability.

Tony Colosimo, ISU alumnus and member of Phoenix Renewable Resources, said the next president needs to be aware of the environmental issues Iowa State is facing.

“I’ve worked with the staff and current president during the past three years. I’ve done numerous things including burning tests … all the things we have found say a new system could reduce the university’s carbon footprint and reduce costs,” Colosimo said.

Stephanie Hogan came to Iowa State from the University of Northern Iowa to speak at the forum.

Hogan said she came to Iowa State to be a part of the event because it is important to the people of Iowa.

She said the president needs to be committed to combating climate change.

“We share this role together. Please hire a new president that is committed to this cause,” Hogan said.

“I am definitely looking for someone who is going to make sustainability a priority. There are so many resources here on campus. We have the minds and the technology, we just need a president who is going to support the effort,” said Emily Kathrein, junior in advertising at Iowa State.

Others who spoke at the open forum praised President Gregory Geoffroy for his work and mentioned several qualities they would like to see in the next president.

Michael Owen, president of the Faculty Senate, said he would be remiss if he didn’t mention Geoffroy and the excellent job he did.

Owen said some qualities the next president needs to have include transparency of communication and decision making, a willing supporter of a shared governance prospect, a clear understanding of what a land grant institution is and a student-oriented attitude.

Luke Roling, former GSB president, said he is looking for someone who will be accessible to students.

Roling said Geoffroy made several appearances at ISU football games and spent time shaking hands with students in the student section.

Roling said Geoffroy also set up regular meetings with student governments, which “made students realize they had a voice.”

He said the new president must have a clear understanding of the most important things students enjoy at Iowa State.

Roling said the next president must also realize the financial stress students are faced with, and there needs to be a plan to continue to take steps forward about the issue.

Julie Weeks, from the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, said it is difficult to separate Ames and Iowa State.

“Iowa State needs to be collaborative, especially on their vision. You don’t really just visit Ames without experiencing Iowa State,” Weeks said.

She said Iowa State hosts a variety of events such as the Iowa Games, Special Olympics Iowa, Iowa High School State Music, Speech and FFA leadership conferences, all of which help the Ames economy.

Weeks said overnight visitors have brought more than $64,000 to Ames.

Dan Culhane, president of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, said from an entrepreneurial and economic development standpoint, “Someone will continue in the role of President Geoffroy.”

Mark Clarridge, president of the Professional and Scientific Council, said a lot has changed in the past 10 years of Geoffroy’s presidency.

Clarridge said he believes the university has grown in the past years despite of all the troubles.

“There was a lot of [financial] stress year in and year out. One of his chief rolls was chief cheerleader, and he did a great job at that,” Clarridge said.